Urology Practice Management - August 2016, Vol 5, No 4

Smartphone applications and online telehealth services have already proved popular in primary care, and their expansion into urology and other specialties is imminent. Some payers have begun to include telehealth requirements in contracts with hospitals and other providers, and studies have shown that telehealth reduces costs and can help to reduce hospital admission and readmission rates.

Every patient who leaves the office should walk out with some written material that has the name of the practice and/or the name of the treating physician. In my practice, every patient receives a testicle self-examination card, and a breast self-examination discussion on the opposite side of the shower card.

“Redirecting radical prostatectomy patients to high-volume providers is associated with better medical and oncologic outcomes, shorter length of stay, and fewer complications. Referrals within 100 miles are not only feasible but could save significant societal costs,” said Sarmad Sadeghi, MD, PhD, of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, who presented the study results.

“The ultimate goal is to develop a viable strategy that incorporates aspects of traditional and contemporary approaches to meet the needs of the shifting healthcare landscape,” said Max Reiboldt, CPA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Coker Group, Alpharetta, GA.

Dr Smith has been practicing as a solo provider in New York for many years. Although he currently has a very successful practice, because of personal circumstances, he is ready to retire. As retirement approaches for Dr Smith, what are his options with regard to his medical practice? He essentially has 2 options: sell the practice or permanently close the office.